In my 20 years living in Los Angeles, I’ve noticed a pattern. If you grow up on the West Coast, there’s always a pull to return to the Pacific time zone. For Oregon State quarterback Maalik Murphy, coming back West wasn’t what he initially envisioned as one of the top quarterbacks in the Class of 2022 out of Serra High School in Gardena, California. But after stops at Texas and Duke, the gifted QB has found his way back, now leading the Oregon State Beavers.

With spring ball in full swing across the country, we’re excited to welcome Maalik to the Y-Option podcast for the first time, presented by our founding partner 76.

Oregon State football has always been built on successful quarterback play complimenting a strong run game with a tough defense and an incredible fan base. Now, in Year 2 under Trent Bray, the Beavers are in position to make some serious noise out West.

I still remember my first trip to Corvallis. It was 2006, my 2nd year coaching at USC. We rolled into Reser Stadium as the No. 3 team in the country, only to leave with a 33-31 loss and the sound of chainsaws ringing in our ears. That game wasn’t my first introduction to the Beavs, though. I had already faced them as a player in the 2002 Insight Bowl while starting for Pitt. We won, and freshman Larry Fitzgerald became a household name that night. But what stuck with me was Oregon State’s identity - tough, disciplined, and relentless.

Fast forward to today, and the man leading the Beavers is a familiar name. Bray was a linebacker on that 2002 team and now holds his dream job as Oregon State’s head coach. And this offseason, he might have landed his dream quarterback.

When the Pac-12 reshaped itself last season, skeptics doubted whether the Beavers could land an elite quarterback in the transfer portal. But Beaver Nation proved them wrong. Coach Bray, offensive coordinator/QB coach Ryan Gunderson, and the Oregon State staff made their pitch, and one of the hottest names in the portal chose them. As Maalik shared with me on Y-Option, he’s never been happier, or more confident.

Hearing that was special. Maalik Murphy is the type of leader young quarterbacks should look up to - a model of resilience and perseverance.

We hope you enjoy today’s conversation. And to those of you in our Y-Option paid community - thank you for your continued support.

Back to spring ball film study!

Much love and Stay Steady,

Yogi

This episode is executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Victor Ren

This podcast is a Best Coast Media production

Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Ever met someone who just makes the room feel right? Someone who can blend into any crowd, be the ultimate teammate or wingperson, and put others at ease while making them better? I’m sure a few names come to mind as you read this. And as you listen to today’s episode of the Y-Option podcast with Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network, presented by our founding partner 76, you’ll get that same feeling.

Daniel - or “DJ,” as he’s known in the industry - is a true master of his craft. As the lead voice on NFL Network during the NFL Draft, a constant presence in football media via his podcast Move The Sticks, and the LA Chargers radio analyst since 2018, DJ thrives in every environment.

It makes sense. He was once a dual-threat quarterback who transitioned into media after an injury at Appalachian State set him on a new path. A chance encounter during that time changed his career trajectory, leading him to where he is today.

DJ and I go way back - over a decade. We’ve done annual home-and-home podcasts on Move The Sticks and Y-Option, sharing a passion for football and the people who make the game great.

In today’s episode, we take a trip down memory lane, break down this year’s QB class, and discuss why adversity often leads to success. We also dive into the NFL Draft prospects of Cam Ward, Travis Hunter, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, Tetairoa McMillan, and Ashton Jeanty. Plus, DJ shares powerful insights from 49ers QB Brock Purdy, on the toughness of Justin Herbert, and handicaps the AFC West - aka the Pac-10 from the early 2000s - under Pete Carroll, Chip Kelly, and Jim Harbaugh.

I have no doubt you’ll enjoy today’s conversation and I bet you’ll walk away feeling like you just hung out with one of the coolest and most insightful football minds in the game.

While DJ is the elite voice of the NFL Draft, what I admire most is his humility, discipline in chasing what truly matters, and ability to elevate those around him. Be sure to catch him and his colleagues live from Green Bay on April 24-26 as the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off on NFL Network.

As spring football heats up across the country, there’s some big news to report:

* Coach Prime’s Historic Extension: Deion Sanders has signed a five-year, $54 million extension to stay at Colorado through 2029. While his 13-12 record may not seem extraordinary, his impact is undeniable. He has sparked a national - and even global - resurgence of the Buffs brand. The proof? Colorado’s season ticket revenue jumped from $13M in 2022 to $31.2M in 2023, they trend every time he has a press conference and this April the Buffs will, once again, pack Folsom Field for their spring game. Coach Prime continues to redefine what’s possible in college football. And I’d imagine he will be in the news a little on NFL Draft night as well.

* Syracuse & Colorado Joint Spring Practices Denied: Not surprisingly, the NCAA shut down the idea of Syracuse and Colorado holding joint spring practices. While denied for now, expect the landscape to evolve as we move toward 2026, with more teams looking to collaborate. Jim Thornby and I discuss this during the preamble to my conversation with DJ and make a case for joint practices, just not like you might imagine.

* Stanford Makes Big Moves: The Cardinal have named Frank Reich as interim head coach for the 2025 season. Given Stanford’s unique recruiting challenges, this hire brings immediate stability. While they could have pursued a long-term solution, GM Andrew Luck likely prioritized continuity, choosing a coach he knows well—Reich coached Luck in 2018 with the Indianapolis Colts. Did they get it right? Let us know @Y-Option on social media as we had a long discussion about this strategy as well on today’s podcast.

I met Coach Reich at a Super Bowl event a few years ago and he left a lasting impression. I imagine Stanford’s roster will feel the same way and I do not anticipate a mass exodus to the portal.

Additionally, Stanford hired Alden Mitchell as the interim Athletic Director. Having known Alden for over a decade from our time at the Pac-12 Networks, I can say this: she’s competitive, sharp, and fully committed to this role.

The next 4 months will shape Stanford’s football program for the next 5 years. Their success in adapting to the modern college football landscape hinges on the decisions they make now, and with Andrew Luck steering the ship, I’m optimistic they’ll get it right as a good Stanford squad is a great thing for college football.

As always, much love to all of you for supporting Y-Option. Enjoy spring ball.

Stay steady,Yogi

This episode is executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Victor Ren.

This podcast is a Best Coast Media production

Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Spring has officially arrived, and with it, most college football programs have kicked off or are about to begin spring practice. As I’ve often said, spring ball is one of the most critical times for an athlete. This year it’s even more pivotal, with the second transfer portal window opening in late April, giving coaches a crucial opportunity to evaluate their rosters and address key needs.

For the Washington Huskies, this spring marks a significant phase in Jedd Fisch’s 2nd year at the helm. With new faces, young players stepping up, and 2 new coordinators, the program is rapidly evolving.

Deep Dive on UW with Christian Caple

No one is more plugged into the day-to-day happenings at UW than Christian Caple, founder of On Montlake - the go-to Substack for in-depth, sourced reporting on Washington Huskies football. This week, Christian joins the Y-Option podcast, presented by our founding partner 76, to break down the latest from Montlake.

Having covered the Huskies since his college days during the Tyrone Willingham era, Christian has been immersed in every snap of Washington football for over a decade. In our conversation, he shares:

✅ His journey building On Montlake ✅ The passion behind UW’s fan base ✅ How Jedd Fisch has built the current roster ✅ The development of QB Demond Williams Jr. ✅ The new structure of UW’s front office in today’s college football landscape

Why I’m High on the Huskies

Personally, I’m bullish on the future of UW. I’ve known Jedd Fisch since 2009, when we both met in Seattle while interviewing for roles with Pete Carroll’s Seahawks staff. Now, in his 2nd season with the Huskies, Fisch is leading a much-improved roster and coaching one of the most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in the Big Ten - at least in my eyes.

That might sound bold, considering Demond Williams Jr. has yet to win a game as a starter. But having known him since high school and Elite 11, I believe he has the tools to be a game-changer on Montlake.

More to Explore

We hope you enjoy our detailed spring preview of UW, and if you’re looking for insights on college football this spring, these past episodes are for you:

🏈 What’s happening at Stanford?

🏈 B1G quarterbacks in 2025

🏈 Marcus Arroyo’s journey to Coordinating ASU to the CFP

🏈 Former UW head coach Kalen DeBoer’s transition to Tuscaloosa

If you love college football and are seeking a lens on the game from the West Coast we've got you covered at Y-Option.com through the draft and spring football. For paid subscribers we hope to continue to deliver thoughtful and insightful analysis as we are nearing the end of our first year at Y-Option.

Calling Spring Games on Big Ten Network

Now, back to the film room. Over the next five weeks, I’ll be in the booth for Big Ten Network, calling the spring games for Ohio State, Oregon, and Washington. Looking forward to diving in.

Much love, and stay steady.

Yogi

This episode is executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Victor Ren

This podcast is a Best Coast Media production

Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Tuesday morning, Stanford football GM Andrew Luck released the following statement:

"Since beginning my role as General Manager, I have been thoroughly assessing the entire Stanford football program. It has been clear that certain aspects of the program need change. Additionally, in recent days, there has been significant attention to Stanford investigations in previous years related to Coach Taylor. After continued consideration it is evident to me that our program needs a reset. In consultation with university leadership, I no longer believe that Coach Taylor is the right coach to lead our football program. Coach Taylor has been informed today and the change is effective immediately."

Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

The Power of a Coaching Sabbatical

Years ago, I learned that Nike offered sabbaticals to employees after 10 years of service. It made perfect sense - stepping away allowed them to recharge, gain new perspectives, and pour into their families. In the coaching profession, I’ve always believed sabbaticals should be the norm. Every coach I’ve met who has taken a year off, whether by choice or due to job circumstances, has experienced tremendous growth.

Pete Carroll famously reinvented his coaching philosophy during his year off. Chip Kelly, Dan Mullen, Urban Meyer, and Bill Belichick all spent time in TV roles before returning to head coaching jobs. These high-profile examples highlight individuals that went from head coaching job to another.

Today’s Y-Option Podcast, presented by our founding partner 76, is with Arizona State offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Marcus Arroyo. After an extensive coaching career in both college football and the NFL, Marcus found himself on an unexpected “sabbatical” in 2023 following his time as head coach at UNLV. Instead of viewing it as a setback, he saw it as an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Marcus, a Broyles Award finalist in 2024, has coached standout quarterbacks like Josh McCown, Mason Rudolph, Nick Mullens, Justin Herbert, and most recently, Sam Leavitt. In December 2019, he achieved a lifelong dream when he was named head coach of the Rebels. Just months later, COVID-19 changed everything, forcing him to navigate unprecedented challenges. Fast forward three years, and his time away from the game would reshape his career.

During his sabbatical, Marcus built a structured calendar to maximize learning. He visited top programs, including the LA Rams, LA Chargers, NY Giants, Texas Longhorns, and Utah Utes. He redesigned his entire playbook, a process that played a pivotal role in ASU’s rise to a Big 12 title and a College Football Playoff berth in 2024.

Inside the Episode:

* In our conversation, Marcus and I dive into his mentors, his “why,” and the profound impact of his sabbatical. He shares what truly matters most, his nonnegotiables for quarterback play, how Sam Leavitt thrived under Kenny Dillingham at ASU and the math needed to fill the shoes of All-American Cam Skattebo. Of course, we also talk about 4th-down decisions and the mentality behind calling big-time plays in critical moments.

More from Y-Option:

* Beyond my conversation with Marcus, Jim Thornby and I continue our deep dive into the quarterback position as the Big 12 returns 10 of the conference’s top 11 leading passers from last season, including Arizona’s Noah Fifita, BYU’s Jake Retzlaff, and Kansas State’s Avery Johnson.

* Additionally, I reflect on my time in Boulder with Coach Prime and the Colorado Buffaloes while speaking at the Nike Coach of the Year Clinic.

As always, we are incredibly grateful for the continued support of Y-Option as we pour into this newsletter and podcast during the offseason.

Much love and stay steady,

Yogi

This episode was executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Victor Ren

This podcast is a Best Coast Media production

Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

To believe in oneself is a powerful thought.

We've seen it drive elite athletes for centuries.

It's been the foundation of one of the most successful shows in recent history, Ted Lasso. And for over 25 years, I’ve heard quarterbacks use that word - belief - time and time again.

At my core, I trust that the best coaches, players, and performers must face moments of adversity. Hundreds of them. They must stare it in the eye, welcome it, and compete through it. We all have our own moments to reference. And if you’re a quarterback, you likely have a few that stand out. It’s such a defining trait that we use it as a core pillar at the Elite 11 when evaluating QBs. Every single NFL coach or GM I’ve ever spoken with about a prospect asks about it.

Bottom line: If you want to elevate in life - or under center - when adversity shows up, you better believe you can find a way through it.

Former Minnesota Golden Gopher quarterback Max Brosmer is a blueprint of that mindset. He joined the latest episode of Y-Option, presented by founding partner 76, to break down the ‘why’ behind his success.

I was introduced to Max through Seth Makowsky, an elite mindset coach and the founder of Poison Pawn. Seth has trained some of the top quarterbacks in the nation through chess, using a unique approach to developing their mental game.

After visiting with Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck and co-offensive coordinator/QB coach Greg Harbaugh Jr. this past fall, it was clear that Max was a special soul. A player whose work ethic stood out in my 25 years around the quarterback position and in the lengthy coaching careers of both Fleck and Harbaugh Jr.

He’s also a gamer.

I was on the call for back-to-back wins for Minnesota this season against USC and UCLA. In both games, with the outcome on the line, Max met the moment. After you listen to our conversation, it won’t surprise you why he delivered when his best was needed.

Now, Max is on his path toward the NFL Draft. Ahead of his Pro Day this week, he took time to share some of his core principles as a competitor, the impact of the Minnesota coaching staff on his development, and his experience in the draft process. He also gave some insight into his former team’s QB room as spring ball in Minneapolis kicks off this week. (Spoiler: He did the interview from Drake Lindsey’s apartment.)

If you’re unfamiliar with Max’s journey, here’s the quick version: He was a 2-star recruit out of Georgia who’s only offer was to New Hampshire, ranked the 255th overall QB prospect in the Class of 2019—the same class that produced Bo Nix and Jayden Daniels. Think about that for a second. Max was ranked 255th at his position in the entire country, and in six weeks, he’ll be on an NFL roster! Safe to say that Ted Lasso would be impressed with his personal belief.

Max went on to star at New Hampshire, overcoming injuries and adversity along the way. Through it all, Max never flinched. His maturity and discipline became defining traits. Once his football acumen caught up to his work ethic, he made his dream a reality - playing college football in the Big Ten.

For high school quarterbacks and college players chasing a dream, this is a must-listen conversation. And if you’re curious about what it’s like to play for Coach Fleck and Coach Harbaugh, our discussion paints a vivid picture that might just inspire you to visit their facility.

Speaking of learning, today’s Y-Option discussion before our interview with Max focused on the quarterback position in the Big Ten for 2025. After diving into depth charts, film on new transfers, and incoming freshmen, my focus settled on the returners in the deepest league in the nation. What should Year 2 look like in the same system with the same staff?

If you’re on the QB path, be sure to check out our conversation with Mark Sanchez on what allows a quarterback to succeed in the NFL. It’s one of my favorite episodes from Season 1 of Y-Option.

I’m on my way to Boulder for the Nike Coach of the Year Clinic, and I’ll be sharing insights on the Buffs, Elite 11 in LA, and spring ball as it ramps up nationwide. Be sure to subscribe to Y-Option’s newsletter for all our content this spring.

Much love and stay steady.

Yogi

This episode is executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Victor Ren

This podcast is a Best Coast Media production

Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

If you love college football, you know the voice of Todd Blackledge - today’s guest on the Y-Option podcast, presented by our founding partner, 76.

Growing up in Pennsylvania, a few things were constant: Friday night high school football, postgame pizza with the team, and Saturday afternoons in front of the TV watching college football. My friends and I dreamed of playing in massive stadiums at places like Pitt, Penn State, and Notre Dame. As life has unfolded and I’ve traveled the world, I’ve realized that wherever young athletes grow up, this ritual remains the same.

The same was true for today’s guest, Todd Blackledge - college football analyst for Big Ten Saturday Night on NBC and Peacock.

I grew up watching highlights of Todd’s career at Penn State, where he led his team to a National Championship over Herschel Walker’s Georgia squad in the Sugar Bowl. Later, as a fan of the game, I came to recognize his voice every Saturday in the broadcast booth. I’ve admired his work for decades, and when I learned he had also worked alongside Ted Robinson, I knew he had come from the “School of Ted” - a mentor who has shaped so many of us in the craft of broadcasting.

In our conversation, Todd reflects on:

* When he first fell in love with football and how a conversation with the late Joe Paterno on a park bench helped him navigate early adversity in his college career.

* His 30+ years in the booth, the evolution of the game, and the common thread that ties college football together amid constant change.

* His take on the new-look Big Ten, now an 18-team powerhouse after its first season.

* One of the most unforgettable finishes of the 2024 season—the wild, unpredictable ending between Ohio State and Oregon, a game he called alongside Noah Eagle in Eugene last fall.

Finally, as I reflect on our conversation - and the many I’ve had with Todd over the years - one thing stands out: his humility. In a sport that’s constantly evolving, he remains focused on celebrating the game, bringing passion and insight to every broadcast.

I hope you enjoy today’s conversation with NBC Sports college football analyst Todd Blackledge, presented by our founding partner, 76.

As always, be sure to subscribe to the Y-Option newsletter at Y-Option.com for more insights into college football.

Much love and stay steady, Yogi

This episode is executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Victor Ren

This podcast is a Best Coast Media production

Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

It’s a B1G week here at Y-Option both with our guests and on the news front. Thanks to our founding partner 76, today’s guest is the founder of Breneman Media and host of the “Next Up” podcast, Adam Breneman. More on Adam in a moment, but first the big news…

Last Friday, the Ducks made a statement - not just to the Big Ten, but to all of college football. Dan Lanning, along with coordinators Tosh Lupoi and Will Stein, signed well-deserved contract extensions, ensuring Oregon remains a powerhouse under their leadership.

It got me thinking about the first time I met Dan. It was at Camp Tontozona, and he was a young graduate assistant with big dreams. We stood on the field before practice, talking about the team, his path, and mine. From that moment, I knew he was going places.

Since arriving in Eugene, Dan has stood out—not just for his coaching acumen, but for his perspective on life. Family first, profession second. He’s a devoted husband and father who believes that elite programs can still find balance. Now, entering his fourth season as head coach, he’s not only built one of the nation’s premier programs but also led Oregon to an undefeated regular season and a Big Ten title last year.

College football is full of impressive leaders, but it’s always special to see the “good guys" get rewarded. Huge congratulations to Dan, Tosh, Will, and their families - each one of them deserving of these contracts and the continued success in Eugene. More of my thoughts on Lanning & the Ducks in today’s podcast.

TODAY’S GUEST: ADAM BRENEMAN

Speaking of success, today’s guest, Adam Breneman, knows a thing or two about it. He calls himself a sports entrepreneur, media personality, and creator. I call him a friend - one with an infectious optimism about life, content, and the power of sports.

We’ve known each other for a decade and share the experience of transitioning from coaching to media. In this conversation, he shares insights into his business, advice for content creators, his approach to interviewing big-time head coaches, and why he believes the Big Ten is the nation’s top football conference. He also opens up about one of the darkest times in his life - leaving Arizona State in the public eye - and how he navigated that journey.

This episode will leave you inspired to create, to push forward, and to see challenges as opportunities.

As always, our conversations are powered by our founding partner, 76, keeping you in the know on the Go, Go, Go.

For more insights into college football, subscribe to our newsletter at Y-Option.com.

Much love and stay steady,

Yogi

This episode is executive produced by Jim Thornby & edited by Victor Ren

This podcast is a Best Coast Media production

Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This week, we sit down with Fox Sports NFL Insider Jordan Schultz for a conversation fueled by our founding partner 76. We cover football, family, fatherhood, and a news-packed week at the NFL Combine.

Jordan, son of Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, shares how his upbringing shaped his career, work ethic, and journey to becoming an NFL insider. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to break news in the sports media world and the pivotal moments that led him to this career path.

Beyond football, we dive into fatherhood. Jordan opens up about raising children while managing a demanding career, offering valuable insights for parents - especially those navigating youth sports. If you’re raising an athlete, this episode is a must-listen!

Of course, we also break down the latest from the NFL Combine, including:

🏈 Former Oregon Duck, Texas Tech Red Raider, and Louisville Cardinal Tyler Shough making waves in Indy

🏈 Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan vs. Penn State’s Tyler Warren—who gets drafted first?

🏈 The latest Raiders QB buzz and a deep dive into Sam Darnold’s future with the Vikings

Don’t miss this insightful and engaging episode with Jordan Schultz!

🎧 Catch up on all our offseason coverage at www.Y-Option.com for in-depth conversations on college football—through the lens of the West Coast.

Much love & Stay Steady,Yogi

This episode was executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Victor Ren

This podcast is a Best Coast Media production

Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Hello from Tuscaloosa!

Well, not today - but that’s where I recently sat down with Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer inside the Crimson Tide football facility.

I’ve known Coach DeBoer since his days at Fresno State. I first met him in the Fall of 2021, when his Bulldogs visited the Rose Bowl to take on UCLA. That night, I was in the booth alongside Ted Robinson, calling what many would later dub the Game of the Year - a thrilling win led by Jake Haener and an unforgettable moment for Fresno State football. Even then, it was clear that DeBoer had a rare combination of confidence and humility, the kind of coach players rally behind.

From there, he headed north to Washington, where he restored the Huskies to national prominence, culminating in a 2023 National Championship appearance. I remember interviewing him postgame after their loss to Michigan—their only defeat of the season. As expected, he was heartbroken.

Leaving the stadium in Houston that night, I couldn’t help but wonder what 2024 had in store for his Huskies. As fate would have it, Nick Saban retired just 2 days later, setting off a domino effect across college football. When the dust settled, Coach DeBoer found himself getting off a plane in front of 3,000 Alabama fans, officially becoming the next leader of the Crimson Tide.

Over the past year, we spoke a few times, but it wasn’t until last week that we saw each other in person again. I had the opportunity to visit his program and speak with his team - a privilege I don’t take lightly. Walking into Alabama’s team room was a surreal moment. I’ve always respected the gravity of a team meeting space, but Alabama’s was on another level.

For the next hour, we dove into media training, storytelling, and brand building. The players were engaged, thoughtful, and hungry to learn, and I walked away incredibly impressed with the culture Coach DeBoer has cultivated. Flying home, I couldn’t help but smile - his team reflects his values, and that says everything you need to know about Kalen DeBoer as a leader.

With spring ball just a week away, we covered a range of topics, including being reunited with offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. Year Two of the DeBoer Era will be fascinating, and I expect Alabama to continue evolving under his leadership.

Bottom Line:

My time in Alabama was a blast. The people were welcoming, the food was Southern to its core, and the players and staff were first-class.

In today’s episode, Jim Thornby and I break down my experience in Tuscaloosa, including one major change inside the facility (fast-forward to the end of our conversation if you’re curious).

Spring Games: Do They Matter?

We also dive into an ongoing debate—Spring Games. Who should have them? Do they matter? Do they really matter? Curious where you stand—let us know!

Bernard Muir Steps Down at Stanford

In other news, Stanford AD Bernard Muir announced he will step down at the end of this academic year after 13 years on The Farm. I’ve known Bernard for his entire Stanford tenure, and while the football program has struggled in recent years, his accomplishments should not go unnoticed.

He led Stanford football to unprecedented success, navigated COVID-19’s impact on college sports, and played a key role in the ever-shifting world of conference realignment - not an easy task.

On a personal note, I can recall a night in New York City after Bryce Love’s Heisman appearance as a finalist. Bernard invited me and our entire TV crew to dinner with the Stanford staff and Bryce’s family. In a profession that is becoming more professional by the day, Bernard Muir always saw the humanity within it and that invitation was just one example of it. He is a friend and one of the most respected people in sports. His integrity is second to none, and while I hope he and his wife take some well-earned time off, I have no doubt that whatever he does next will be met with success.

As for Stanford football? A quick walk around that campus is enough to remind you how special the program can be. A quick watch of David Shaw’s TedX Talk will paint the picture of what Stanford was. But the new administration must invest in it if they want to return to prominence.

I hope they do. And as always, I’ll be rooting for Nerd Nation.

Yogi

This episode was executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Victor Ren

This podcast is a Best Coast Media production

Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.